If you travel to Long Beach, California, a must-visit attraction is the Queen Mary.

This ship, majestically docked at Long Beach Harbor, is not just a tourist spot but a legendary luxury ocean liner that crossed the Atlantic in the early 20th century, now serving as a hotel, museum, and restaurant—a living piece of history.

The Queen Mary is approximately 310 meters long and weighs over 80,000 tons, retaining the unique traces of British ships, with its iron railings and vintage decks conveying the essence of 1930s London. Originally, the Queen Mary was a luxury liner built by the Cunard Line in 1936, operating as an Atlantic passenger ship between Southampton and New York.

However, when World War II broke out, the Queen Mary was converted from a luxury passenger ship to a military transport vessel. Its white exterior was painted gray, and the interior cabins were transformed into accommodations for soldiers. Known as 'The Grey Ghost' for its speed and power, this ship, which originally carried over 1,500 passengers, transported more than 15,000 soldiers during the war. After the war, it returned as a symbol of peace, but with the rapid development of the aviation industry, the era of ocean liners gradually came to an end. Ultimately, it completed its last voyage in 1967, leaving Britain to permanently dock in Long Beach.

Today, the Queen Mary is not just an exhibit. The interior operates as preserved cabins, exhibition halls, restaurants, and event spaces. When I visited, I chose the 'Engine Room Tour,' and the moment I saw the massive pistons and turbines up close, I couldn't help but marvel, "This was a ship that really crossed the ocean." Inside, the 1930s wooden furniture and brass decorations remain intact, and every step down the long corridor feels like stepping into a scene from a movie.

Particularly, the rooms operated as the Queen Mary Hotel are extremely popular. The hotel rooms, converted from actual first-class cabins, retain the atmosphere of the old ship while featuring elegant interiors and fantastic views. At night, stepping out onto the deck to gaze at the Long Beach harbor night view makes you truly feel that you are docked on the sea. The gentle rocking of the ship, the sea breeze, and the distant sounds of the harbor—all of these contribute to the unique charm of the Queen Mary.

Another interesting point is that the Queen Mary is also famous as a 'haunted ship.' Legends tell of the spirits of past crew members and victims of war wandering the ship, making it one of the most famous paranormal sites in the United States. Therefore, every year during the Halloween season, a horror-themed event called 'Queen Mary's Dark Harbor' is held, attracting many visitors not only from Long Beach but also from LA.

Visiting the Queen Mary is not just tourism; it feels like an experience that transcends time. The nostalgia of the glamorous Atlantic era, the traces of war, and the cultural rebirth of modernity coexist in one space. Just a step away from the Long Beach harbor, you can encounter this ship, so if you visit Long Beach, be sure to include it in your itinerary.

Lastly, a tip: You can use the Queen Mary's dedicated parking lot, and admission prices vary depending on the type of tour, usually around $20 to $40. On a nice day, simply sitting on the deck with a cup of coffee while gazing at the Long Beach sea can make the day fly by.